Sonic Riders

 GameCube
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 113 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 113
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 113
  3. Negative: 9 out of 113
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  1. PringleDringus
    Mar 13, 2015
    8
    I'm honestly not sure how this game has such a poor score, as it's actually a very fun racing game with plenty of depth and challenge; and challenge isn't something you see too often in this genre. While the variety of unlockable gears may be a bit unnecessary and the somewhat small amount of tracks can make racing eventually repetitive for some, the game (especially for a sonic titleI'm honestly not sure how this game has such a poor score, as it's actually a very fun racing game with plenty of depth and challenge; and challenge isn't something you see too often in this genre. While the variety of unlockable gears may be a bit unnecessary and the somewhat small amount of tracks can make racing eventually repetitive for some, the game (especially for a sonic title released in '06) is very fun. There are plenty of racers to choose from, and while the track number is small, it makes up for it in that the tracks themselves are very memorable. It definitely takes a lot of getting used to however, and your first impression may poor because of that. But if you do learn the intricacies of the mechanics (which may require a look at the instruction manual), you'll find a fun racer that's definitely worth picking up, as long as you don't give up on it early on.… Expand
  2. Nameless2131
    Feb 6, 2020
    8
    10/10 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  3. MrVince
    Feb 19, 2020
    10
    I first played this game on the ps2 when I was a child. Back then I found the game a bit difficult but I still had a blast playing it. I don't remember completing the whole game as a child, but I replayed the game not long ago and even in 2020 this game is amazing. Mechanics are a bit weird but once you get used to it, it's so satisfying to hit those tight drifts and huge tricks combos onI first played this game on the ps2 when I was a child. Back then I found the game a bit difficult but I still had a blast playing it. I don't remember completing the whole game as a child, but I replayed the game not long ago and even in 2020 this game is amazing. Mechanics are a bit weird but once you get used to it, it's so satisfying to hit those tight drifts and huge tricks combos on the jumps… Expand
  4. FrankG.
    Apr 15, 2006
    10
    On the outside this may seem to be just another way to squeeze money out of Sonic's name, but once you play the game you may find, as I did, that this is one of the most refreshingly fun racers in a long time. This game is in a league of its own with its racing style that combines the best of surfing, biking, skating, and many other extreme sports.
  5. HetAlbertkanaal
    Oct 20, 2019
    10
    Sonic riders is an innovative racing game with an awesome soundtrack. At first glance, it might look complicated, but you’ll quickly learn the mechanics. It’s a good alternative to Mario kart with the same level of quality.
  6. finnjackson
    May 26, 2019
    9
    One of the best (although short) single player campaigns I have ever played in a racing game. What it lacks in polish, it more than makes up for in innovative mechanics and replayability. It's understandable why some may find this game frustrating - it's high risk, high reward. One misjudged turn can result in blowing a huge lead, but one trick pulled off just right can give you the edgeOne of the best (although short) single player campaigns I have ever played in a racing game. What it lacks in polish, it more than makes up for in innovative mechanics and replayability. It's understandable why some may find this game frustrating - it's high risk, high reward. One misjudged turn can result in blowing a huge lead, but one trick pulled off just right can give you the edge you need to win. It's stupidly entertaining and refreshingly creative.… Expand
  7. DarkerSonic06
    Jul 12, 2018
    10
    I like this game! While Extreme was just a Tech Demo that looks like Jet Set Radio with Sonic in it this game is a Masterpiece. Good Graphics, Fast Framerate and Fun Gameplay. Extremer than Sonic Extreme or Xtreme
  8. MaxShibe
    Sep 7, 2019
    8
    Why is this Game getting so much hate? The story is very good, art style is good, graphics were extremely good for it's Time, and it's a racing Game that is very fun.
  9. Psychie
    Jan 11, 2020
    8
    It's rather short and not very beginner friendly, but once you get the hang of it, you'll have a lot of fun.
  10. Sonic_2021
    Mar 16, 2021
    10
    This Game is quite Unique! This might be one of the best racing games out there! Many People hate the game because they say that the controls are terrible for this game, cutscenes are terrible and what not!? They must be biased with some other game. That is why they are saying like that. First of all, the opening of this game is one of my favorite and I give props to those people who madeThis Game is quite Unique! This might be one of the best racing games out there! Many People hate the game because they say that the controls are terrible for this game, cutscenes are terrible and what not!? They must be biased with some other game. That is why they are saying like that. First of all, the opening of this game is one of my favorite and I give props to those people who made this intro! This Game has beautiful CGI Cutscenes for a Gamecube Game. The thing why this game receives so much hate is it's gameplay. Many People say that the controls suck and the AI are cheaters. Many people say that the AI is so hard and take many shortcuts and win the game unfair. So they hate it. But what did I do? I followed the AI and learnt the game's unique gameplay from it. Some people even say that it is no mario kart and is not good as F-Zero and give it a bad rating! Man! Where do these people come from and what kind of logic do they use?!? The Gameplay is quite awesome! It gives you a futuristic feel. Even I admit, at first even I hated this game a bit because it was too hard. But as I played....as I mastered its controls.... I find it so fun! Many people don't even take the time to learn the gameplay. They expect it to be like some other kart racer.... Since they are bad at the game does not mean the game is bad! I played games like transformed, mario kart, and many more. But this one just feels so unique and this is the game I come back more since it has so much replay value! Multiplayer is 100 times more fun with this game! I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes to play unique and cool racing games. But if you are biased or expect it to be like some other normal kart racing games, then you won't feel the potential this game has, since you won't even take your time to learn its uniqueness. Also, if you liked this game then you might want to check out zero gravity. That is fun too. But never ever play free riders. Sonic riders game also has a mod now that enables us to play online! You might want to check that too! Now this game is 1000 times better! Literally 10/10!… Expand
  11. Zilcell
    Nov 7, 2011
    9
    This game is better than Mario Kart Double Dash. The futuristic hover board racing does not get old. It delivers what it promises, and somehow more. It is a blast!
  12. SonicKlonoa216
    Nov 18, 2013
    8
    Sonic Riders is not entirely a bad game. Though Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing/Transformed overshadow this one, I think it's still a good game, the controls are decent once you get used to them and the music is once again great. Hell it's much better than Zero Gravity and Free Riders by a long mile.
  13. JPK
    Jun 9, 2019
    8
    It’s Speedy Fun
    It’s no Mario Kart, But Sonic Riders tells a decent story with some hilarious new characters.
  14. [Anonymous]
    May 27, 2006
    4
    What could have been a fun, enjoyable racer is turned into tedium by an unnecessarily high difficulty level. SonicTeam seemed to think they were making F-Zero instead of a Sonic spinoff. Unfortunately, this isn't nearly as good as F-Zero. Once you learn the controls, (which takes a while) the game provides some thrills and funny cutscenes, but overall, there's just no reason to play it.
  15. BrianA.
    Apr 3, 2006
    0
    it is an embaresment to all sonic lovers everywhere.
  16. Nero97
    Jan 26, 2012
    2
    It's a racing game with bad gameplay. Probably the worst Sonic out there. Want a racing game? Get F-Zero or Mario Kart, because this game sucks in gameplay. The cutscenes are boring, the history is terrible, and that's pretty much of it. Sucks.
  17. andrewrox
    Dec 16, 2012
    10
    I'm surprised to find this game has such a low score....I enjoy this game might be worth the buy for most people.....sure the game has no online capabilities but it still is a pretty good game...
  18. rhaynes7
    Dec 28, 2013
    7
    It's a game that at first frustrated me. After I completed the game and mastered the controls, I was able to enjoy this games great sense of speed. Managing how much air (the games fuel) and doing tricks is great fun.

    Aside from the frustration in getting a grip with this game, it's very fun, but it will destroy the padding on your control pads.
  19. SpiderPlayer
    May 25, 2015
    7
    One of the best racing games of Sonic, despite not having tãoo stunning graphics, and even music so good, it's good fun and it has a gameplay is great, I spent some good hours playing this game.
  20. GAGMR
    Mar 20, 2020
    8
    A fun racing game that gets more rewarding the more you play it. Just be warned, it has a very strict learning curve & a high one difficulty setting.
  21. GamecubeLover
    Jul 3, 2016
    8
    Not the best spinoff but I do like the story but again it's a spinoff. The controls feel good the graphics are good. The courses are amazing. Even though I like Zero Gravity a bit better this game is still good but not perfect. I don't know if I would recommend this game or not.
  22. Liz
    Jun 5, 2006
    8
    Well, I thought it was fun, even after beating it three times over. The graphics were nice, and the CG videos were amazing, but I saw flaws there. For one, the mouths didn't move accordingly, but that can be overlooked. There are very few levels, but there are two worth your time to unlock, and they are very fun, with shortcuts and other things hidden everywhere. The other levels are Well, I thought it was fun, even after beating it three times over. The graphics were nice, and the CG videos were amazing, but I saw flaws there. For one, the mouths didn't move accordingly, but that can be overlooked. There are very few levels, but there are two worth your time to unlock, and they are very fun, with shortcuts and other things hidden everywhere. The other levels are fun too, however few, and give you a feeling of actually being in Sonic's universe, not in some random city. Basic controls, but they fit the bill nicly. The frusterating races come all too often though, and is the real reason why this is only worth a rent. Sonic Fans: Buy. Racing Fans: Rent. Hate both? Avoid.… Expand
  23. TheRealSyko
    Jun 2, 2008
    10
    I am well aware that Sega's flagship franchise has been ailing of late, suffering from Video Game Leukaemia: turning out droves of unfinished titles. This is one of the few exceptions. The concept of the game is refreshing, the gameplay is addictive, yet difficult enough to keep the length reasonable (unlike its sequel). One thing it lacked was substantial cutscenes, probably for the I am well aware that Sega's flagship franchise has been ailing of late, suffering from Video Game Leukaemia: turning out droves of unfinished titles. This is one of the few exceptions. The concept of the game is refreshing, the gameplay is addictive, yet difficult enough to keep the length reasonable (unlike its sequel). One thing it lacked was substantial cutscenes, probably for the better: all the less of Jason Griffith's sneering Sonic voice and hoarse Jet voice to hear. Shadow (fangirl idol #1) is entirely absent from the story, and inserting Jet to supplant him, even if for one game, was probably not a good PR move. HOWEVER: All things considered, the graphics are well rendered for PS2 (just don't mention GT4 and FF12), the gameplay is insanely addictive when you get into it, and the unlocks tempt you to keep going back for more. WELL worth it. I borrowed it from a friend and was impressed enough to buy it.… Expand
  24. TreyW.
    Mar 3, 2006
    9
    This game is a game for people who don't press the boost button repeatedly, The graphics are very high tech, and with the 3 new characters and the hoverboards make this game a blast.
  25. JoeyR
    Jun 24, 2009
    9
    The critics that rated this poorly obviously aren't good at it. Therefore, they take their frustration out on the franchise. Plus, they don't like the entertainment-without-blood-and-sex that Sonic delivers (they've been making up excuses about why Sonic stinks since the mid 90s and Sonic's ratings have only gone up since then). It's different. It's The critics that rated this poorly obviously aren't good at it. Therefore, they take their frustration out on the franchise. Plus, they don't like the entertainment-without-blood-and-sex that Sonic delivers (they've been making up excuses about why Sonic stinks since the mid 90s and Sonic's ratings have only gone up since then). It's different. It's entertaining. It's engaging. It's fun. Play it. If you're any good at fast paced racing games, you'll enjoy it.… Expand
  26. EthanR.
    May 26, 2006
    6
    A very average game. But i've got to hand it to sega, this is a pretty well created game. The controls are basic, but sometimes frustrating. The level desighn was amazing, there was shortcuts everywhere. The graphics were good. The worst thing about the game is how impossible some of the races were. Overall it was a good game but not worth a buy.
  27. skeletonking123
    Sep 10, 2011
    9
    Sonic and racing should go well together but when they ried it the first time, *Cringe in fear* , but I don't want to remember that abomination of a racing called Sonic R. This game is a massive improvement over it and is probably one of my favorite racing games
  28. BenannahRama14
    May 20, 2021
    9
    A truly unique racer unlike any other. Feels great to play, has a great sense of urgency and speed, the trick system is well-implemented, and it feels great to master the tacks. Holds up much better than other experimental racers at the time. The best thing about the game, however, is its unapologetic, sleek style. This game oozes with "cool", and it really sets it apart from the vastA truly unique racer unlike any other. Feels great to play, has a great sense of urgency and speed, the trick system is well-implemented, and it feels great to master the tacks. Holds up much better than other experimental racers at the time. The best thing about the game, however, is its unapologetic, sleek style. This game oozes with "cool", and it really sets it apart from the vast majority of racers out there.… Expand
  29. Protocat
    Mar 19, 2023
    9
    This actually my personal favourite racing game, It has fast gameplay, cool tricks and interesting events on the stage. This game is so much fun and enjoyment. Music kicks hard like in every sonic game. Unfortunatelly this game has only 6 stages and I wish it had more. Fans liked that game so much, so they have created an entire online mode to play with other fans around the world.
  30. E102Gamma
    Aug 8, 2023
    3
    This is yet another Sonic game I really wanted to like but couldn't. There are too many mechanics to keep track of and the game doesn't teach the player how to use any of them nor their importance. I was able to clear the first four races in the Hero campaign before struggling with the fifth for half an hour. There are good and even innovative mechanics such as the air you need toThis is yet another Sonic game I really wanted to like but couldn't. There are too many mechanics to keep track of and the game doesn't teach the player how to use any of them nor their importance. I was able to clear the first four races in the Hero campaign before struggling with the fifth for half an hour. There are good and even innovative mechanics such as the air you need to conserve, the trick system, the rings you can fly into, rail grinding, and the function of the drift. I then realized that there was a level up mechanic. I don't know what it does and I don't know how I benefit from understanding it. All I know is its inclusion completely jumps the shark and makes the gameplay so much worse than it otherwise would be. There is also the wind trail that some racers leave behind. I don't know what causes it, how to ride it, or how to jump off.… Expand
  31. MrDeibus
    Jun 3, 2022
    7
    Sonic Riders is a fresh, fun and undeniably stylish racing game, but no tutorial and a lack of polish make this hard to come back to.
  32. ALTO534
    Oct 7, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Its so much underrated the mechanics in this game are so perfect like drifting or boosting or tricks or types and the air and the leveling
    They are so perfect and i'm sad because this is underrated as hell    … Expand
  33. TreasureOrTrash
    Sep 8, 2023
    10
    Treasure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Best GameCube Game of 2006
2
#2 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2006
17
#17 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 32
  3. Negative: 5 out of 32
  1. AceGamez
    80
    Sonic Riders doesn't boast too many tracks, nor does it have an online mode, which is a shame, but a bit of unique futuristic racing with familiar faces is what I'm after these days, and Sonic Riders delivers on that front hands down.
  2. N-Europe
    70
    Endure the few inevitable instances of frustration and your left with a solid sonic spin-off.
    Read full review
  3. Games Radar
    50
    Sonic fans may fill their need for speed here, but everyone else, please walk on.
    Read full review
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